THE MET EXHIBIT - SCHIAPARELLI AND PRADA: IMPOSSIBLE CONVERSATIONS...

This weekend, I finally went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to see the exhibition that everyone has raved about - Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations.

This intriquing exhibit explores the careers of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Their iconic designs are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada, focusing on how both explored similar themes in their work through very different approaches.

The exhibition showcases approximately one hundred designs and forty accessories by Schiaparelli (1890–1973) from the late 1920s to the early 1950s and by Prada from the late 1980s to the present. The signature objects by both designers are arranged in seven themed galleries: "Waist Up/Waist Down," "Ugly Chic," "Hard Chic," "Naïf Chic," "The Classical Body," "The Exotic Body," and "The Surreal Body."

Waist Up/Waist Down

Ugly Chic

Hard chic

Naif Chic

Classic Body

Exotic Body

The Surrealist Body

Schiaparelli, who worked in Paris from the 1920s until her house closed in 1954, was closely associated with the Surrealist movement and created such iconic pieces as the "Shoe" hat and the "Tear" dress in collobaration with artist Salvador Dali. Prada, who took over her family's Milan-based business in 1978, is still one of the most sought after designers of our time. Her designs focus on fashion that reflects the eclectic nature of Postmodernism.



Shoe Hat and Lip Jacket

Tear Dress

An interesting perspective into the world of Fashion, the exhibit is on view at the Met through August 19, 2012. If you are in the NYC area, it is a must see...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

THE LOW DOWN: WEST ELM...

One of my absolute favorites, practically every room in my house has something from West Elm - whether its accents and accessories or furniture pieces. As part of the Williams-Sonoma family, it offers GREAT quality at affordable prices. There are 42 stores throughout the US and one in Toronto and one in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Known for their clean line approach to furniture design, West Elm pieces are both trendy and classic. Great "first apartment" furniture that will last - not like their Swedish competitor (no disrespect intended).

Emmerson Bed



Essex Ottoman







Narrow Leg Dresser

High Rise Coffee Table

Parsons Metal Filing Cabinet

Victor Chair

Last season's influence was Moroccan inspired furniture and accessories. I absolutely loved the textural rugs, colorful poufs and pillows, and intricately carved wood pieces that are staples in Moroccan design.

Poufs

Moroccan inspired textiles and accessories

This season's crop of ethnic influenced treasures are from the other end of the continent - South Africa.  I especially love the chair and bench from South African designer John Vogel and the Kuba Bench and Stool. The even have pottery and tableware handcrafted by local artisans.

Chair by John Vogel

Bench by John Vogel

Senufo Bench

Kuba Bench

Kuba Stools

Potter's Workshop Tableware

If your taste is more modern and urbane, you might enjoy the new Wood Tile Bedroom Collection. Love the iron leg detail on these eclectic pieces.



Wood Tile Bedroom Collection

Can't wait to see what's to come next season. In the meantime, happy shopping...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of WestElm.com

OLYMPIC MEDAL INSPIRATION...

If you're like me, you couldn't make it to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. However, you can always show your support of Team USA (or whomever you're cheering for) by using the medal accents of GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE in your decor.  Here are some accent pieces that are inspired by the Olympic medals.  Just like the athletes from every country, these are all winners:

GOLD MEDAL INSPIRATION

Sheridan Mirror by Arteriors Home

Julian Lamp by Uttermost

Greek Key Table by Arteriors Home

Amelia Chest by Oly

Ulyssess Pendant by Arteriors Home

SILVER MEDAL INSPIRATION

Simone Dresser by Worlds Away

Tamas Container by Arteriors Home

Doris Etagere by Worlds Away

Orli Chandelier by Arteriors Home

Antique Mercury Glass Finials by Arteriors Home

BRONZE MEDAL INSPIRATION

Costello Table by Arteriors Home

Bronze Stong Man Bookends by Uttermost

Pillow Vases by Global Views

Bruno Table by Oly

Bronze Sconce by Global Views

Go Team USA!! Happy winning...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of ArteriorsHome.com, GlobalViews.com, OlyStudio.com, Uttermost.com and Worlds-Away.com

THE HAMPTONS...

I had the pleasure of going to the Hamptons for the first time this past weekend, well actually for the day, to do interior styling for a photo shoot. The location was in the toney East Hampton community of Wainscott, NY.  

Main Street, East Hampton

All the things you've probably heard about the Hamptons are true - pretentious, privileged and pristine. But that's what makes it special - the beautiful beaches, quaint (yet expensive) boutiques, multi-million dollar beach-front mansions and the celebrities (although not as celebrated by the lifelong regulars). You're likely to run into Russell, Martha, Sean, Alec or even Nick and Mariah while dining at Nick and Toni's. B. Smith is a fixture in Sag Harbor.

Wyborg Beach

Pantigo Mill, East Hampton

Its also the location for a wonderful showhouse sponsored annually by Traditional Home Magazine to benefit the Southhampton Hospital. (Blog post to follow soon, I hope.)

Location for the Hampton Showhouse 2012

We've gone to Martha's Vineyard for years but this may be a new spot for us since it only took 2 1/2 hours. Although, that doesn't include the 45 minutes to an hour traffic on Montauk Highway leading into town. But we'll have to be willing to drop a pretty penny - one night at the Enclave Inn in Wainscott during high season is $569!

I've often heard that there is a rich history for African-Americans in Sag Harbor.  That's probably where I'll go for my next visit...

Happy Hampton-ing...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of EastHamptonVillage.org, TraditionalHome.com, Google.com and yours truly.